Cool

ok

Most of those places ain't even Dark.

Door to hell, burning for decades non stop.

The site was identified by Soviet engineers in
1971. [4] It was thought to be a substantial oil
field site.[5] The engineers set up a drilling rig
and camp nearby, and started drilling
operations to assess the quantity of gas
reserve available at the site. As the Soviets
were pleased with the success of finding the
gas resources, they started storing the gas.
The ground beneath the drilling rig and camp
collapsed into a wide crater and disappeared.
No lives were lost in the incident. Large
quantities of methane gas were released,
however, creating an environmental problem
and posing a potential danger to the people of
the nearby villages.[ citation needed ]
Fearing the further release of poisonous gases
from the cavern, the engineers decided to burn
it off. [2] They thought that it would be safer to
burn it than to extract it from underground
through expensive methods. At that time,
expectations were that the gas would burn out
within a few weeks, but has continued to burn
more than four decades after it was set on fire.

Op what of the famous Mammoth Cave in the Usa

Majestic Cenotes: The Crown Jewels of Mexico
The cenotes are the most exquisite jewels of the Yucatan Peninsula, both gorgeous, mysterious, and magical. When vacationing in Cancun
, Playa del Carmen, Valladolid, or Tulum , make sure to take advantage of the opportunity to go swimming in a cenote that is protected by the jungle. It is a great adventure that you won't want to miss.

You might be curious about what cenotes are and why they hold such mystical and intriguing qualities. Continue reading, and we will tell you everything you need to know about the hidden jewels of Mexico.

What exactly are the Cenotes?
Cenotes are wells of deep water that are supplied by filtered rainwater and currents from rivers that flow deep underground. This is why swimming in cenotes can feel very refreshing, especially since the average temperature of the water is around 75°F (24°C).

The name "cenotes" was derived from the Mayan name, Dz'onot, which translates to "cavern with water" and refers to these wells.

Cenotes are large holes or caves in sedimentary limestone rock that are filled with clear and cool groundwater and rainwater over time. They are created when a cave collapses, and can either be open-air (with a completely collapsed roof) or cave cenotes (where most of the roof is still intact). Cenotes often house various kinds of fish, plants, and even turtles.

Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula used to be a large reef and is now a flat piece of limestone that was exposed when the sea level receded. There are many fissures in the limestone that collect precipitation, which then drain into underground river systems. It is not known exactly how many cenotes are located in the Mexican jungle, but there are more than 7,000 of them, and over 2,200 of them have been registered. Approximately 900 of these cenotes make up the 'Ring of Cenotes,' located around Merida.

The Yucatan is home to some of the longest underground cave networks in the world. One of these is the Sistema Sac Actun, which is situated in the Riviera Maya. It stretches for 350 kilometers and is 119 meters deep. The cave has over 226 cenotes and is home to 9000-year-old human remains as well as ancient animal bones from the ice age.

While cenotes can be found in various regions, the Riviera Maya cenotes located on the Yucatan Peninsula are truly remarkable for the sheer quantity of them. Nowhere else can you find such a vast abundance of cenotes.

The significance of Cenotes for the Mayan Culture
The Mayans considered the cenotes to be very significant. Not only were they the main source of water for the Mayans, but they also believed that they were the gateway to the underworld known as Xibalba. The cenotes were also a place of visitation for the Mayan gods, particularly Chaac, who was associated with rain, lightning, and thunder. Because of their immense importance, most temples and settlements were constructed in close proximity to cenotes. Recent discoveries have revealed that the Mayans even built structures on top of cenotes, as seen at Chichen Itza.

Religious cenotes were used as sanctuaries where offerings and rituals were performed to please the gods. Archaeologists found various objects such as jade, ceramics, gold, incense, and even human remains at the bottom of these cenotes. Some human bones discovered at Sagrado Cenote in Chichen Itza had scars indicating human sacrifice. There are more cenotes in Xibalba that contain human bones without any signs of sacrifice or ceremony. It is possible that these cenotes were used as an alternative place for burials until the next cycle of life. Despite being a crucial water source for the peninsula, cenotes have become a popular attraction for tourists who come to swim, dive, and explore the unusual mysteries of these fascinating natural wonders.

Due to the heat in the jungle, many people and tourists are drawn to the thousands of Cenotes that have formed across the Yucatan Peninsula as refreshing places to cool off.

Types of Cenotes
Cenotes Categorized by Age:
Cavern Cenotes
Semi-open Cenotes.
Open Cenotes
Historic cenotes

Types of Cenotes
Open Cenotes: Cenotes that are open typically have a round shape and can be very large. The water found in open cenotes is usually clear and has a blue color.
Closed Cenotes: Closed cenotes are fully underground and can only be accessed through a cave or tunnel. The water in these cenotes tends to be cool and dark.
Semi-open Cenotes: These are types of cenotes that have both open and underground areas. Semi-open cenotes often contain a mix of clear and dark water.
Cavern Cenotes Subterranean cenotes are located in underground caverns and can be accessed through a network of tunnels. These cenotes are popular for diving and snorkeling due to their clear water.
Freshwater Cenotes: These are freshwater cenotes that are perfect for swimming and scuba diving.
Cenotes with Saltwater: Cenotes containing salt water connect to the ocean and are commonly located along the Yucatan Peninsula's shoreline.
Gran Cenote Tulum[/caption]

On the Yucatan Peninsula, there are many cenotes that are open, semi-open, or underground.

How were the Cenotes in Yucatan Mexico formed?
Most cenotes are found in the Yucatan Peninsula. They form when the limestone soil collapses due to rain and underground rivers. The soil is very porous.

The meeting of seawater and freshwater in the continental area of Riviera Maya causes the halocline to dissolve rock at a faster rate. This leads to landslides which form big flooded chambers like Dos Ojos and Sac Actun cenotes.

Flora and Fauna in the Cenotes
Cenotes are home to a variety of flora and fauna, unique to each location. These include fish species like guppies and catfish, and some marine crustaceans. Cave cenotes are particularly important as they shelter endangered species like the White Blind Lady and the Yucatecan Blind Eel. The area is also home to turtles, iguanas, frogs, and butterflies, as well as birds like swallows and Toh Birds, which are commonly referred to as the "bird of the cenotes."

The vegetation varies depending on its proximity to the coast, and it is typical to see tree roots, as well as diverse algae and lilies, blending into the environment.

Cenotes in the Yucatan Today
Cenotes are extremely significant in today's world as they possess crucial information about the Earth's development, our species, and even unknown aspects of the Mayan culture. They serve as silent witnesses of the past and provide valuable insights.

Due to the lack of surface rivers in the Yucatan Peninsula, these bodies of water serve as water sources. Additionally, they are remarkable locations for nature exploration and archaeological expeditions, where remains of ancient Mayans and older settlers can be discovered.

To help protect it, please rinse off before entering and use eco-friendly sunscreens and repellents.